Nature tour of Iceland – Land of fire and ice

Iceland – A Nordic Island located in northern Europe in North Atlantic Ocean. A very sparsely populated country which is famous for glaciers, Auroras(Northern Lights), volcanoes, Geothermal springs – Geysers, waterfalls, stunning landscapes, volcanoes and dramatic skies. Because of so many natural wonders, let’s go for a Nature Tour of Iceland – land of Fire and Ice.

Planning a Trip to Iceland – Land of Fire and Ice

It is said, Iceland is a land of extremes with erupting hot active volcanoes among frozen glaciers. As I am nature lover person, Iceland is always on my wish list to explore glacier parks, viewing auroras in dark skies, getting through ice caves/peaks, driving along the Golden Circle and taking the plunge into natural therapeutic waters of Blue Lagoon. Iceland is heaven for nature photography and so go for photo workshops of natural wonders of Iceland.

Recommended Places I would like to visit during Nature Tour of Iceland – Land of Fire and Ice

Generally, the round trip starts from Reykjavik(capital and biggest city of Iceland) covering the north and south coast and then back to Reykjavik.

1.) Reykjavik – It is the northernmost capital of the world and the meaning of Reykjavik is “Smokey Bay”. The city has very famous Hallgrímskirkja church, vibrant colorful streets, and lively nightlife. Iceland’s biggest and major international airport is in Reykjavik. Also, you can arrive at Keflavik International Airport. Read about how you will spend one day in Reykjavik.

Reykjavik – Capital city of Iceland

2. ) GOLDEN CIRCLE TOUR– Approximately 300 km scenic routes which have three major attractions – Þingvellir National Park, Geothermal Hotspring/Geysirs, and Gullfoss Waterfalls. During this scenic drive, there are countless natural attractions and photogenic locations.

Þingvellir National Park – Also famous for very famous Silfra fissure which is the Mid-Atlantic Ridge passing through this place and divides the earth’s tectonic plates of Eurasia and North America. Continental Divison can be seen here.

Geothermal Hot-springs – Geysers – Natural Geothermal site where hot steamy volcanic sulfurous water steams gushes out in an upward direction. Also, there is very famous Reykjadalur Hotsprings located on the active geothermal field.

Gullfoss Waterfalls – Translated as “Golden Falls’ which is the most popular attraction of Iceland. It is a 2 tiered waterfall which has more water passing than Niagara Falls.

2. BLUE LAGOON – It is a geothermal spa which is located in a lava field in Grindavik. Actually, this lagoon is a therapeutic and relaxing spa which requires pre-booking and it is the most visited place in Iceland. It is a large lake with waters at temperature 39 degrees Celsius located on a peninsula at the southwest of Iceland. The waters of Blue Lagoon is known for the nourishing qualities and treats the skin naturally. Also, this spa is in one of the 10 best natural spas of the world.

3. SOUTH COAST TOUR– This tour comprises of, visit Skogafoss waterfalls, ice caves tours, floating Glaciers in Glacier Lagoon and Black Sand Beach. Here it is recommended to spend a night in an Icelandic Village to see Northern Lights or Aurora. You can also experience splendid Northern Lights across many locations in the world.

The main attraction is Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon – having floating icebergs which is the unique place in Iceland. So the South coast tour is basically a tour of glaciers, floating icebergs, and waterfalls.

Black Sand Beach – Located at the south coast of Iceland and is one of the most famous beaches of the world. The black sand at the beach is made up of cooled lava and there are many basalt columns. There are many volcanic beaches in Iceland, but the most famous one is Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Also, visit Dyrhólaeyis recommended in South Coast tour. It is a small peninsula of volcanic origin. It is 120-meter high promontory and a naturally formed arch. Located in Vik volcanic village. Views from this place are amazing.

Iceland has glaciers, icebergs and also steamy volcanoes, geysers, geothermal area for which it is also known as Land of Ice and Fire. Iceland is a land of contrasts between hot and cold. You will find extreme cold places and extreme hot places. As Iceland can be visited both in summers and winters but read this to know When is the best time to visit Iceland.

Before planning for Iceland, read Things to know about Iceland. There are many natural scenic locations which come while driving where you can find the famous Icelandic Horses. Icelandic horses are the purest forms of breed in the world. If you come to Iceland and don’t meet an Icelandic horse then it is a big miss. Read about 13 reasons to visit Iceland in March.

Famous Icelandic Horses

Iceland can be enjoyed with kids too, read more about Iceland with kids. Iceland has unpredicted weather and so always be prepared for it. Warm clothes with waterproofing shoes and jackets are always required. Though Iceland has rough and unpredictable weathers, it is recommended to go for a guided tour through Iceland’s official tourism site.

So let’s plan a Nature tour of Iceland – Land of Fire and Ice.

Photo Courtesy – Guide to Iceland official tourism site.

So, till then KEEP TRAVELING……………… KEEP EXPLORING……………………………………………………

DISCLAIMER – The content of the blog is solely my views of a place or a thing. This is not to offend any class, religion, ethnicity or nation. My views can change from time to time. This blog may contain some advertisements or links to commercial products and for that, this site is not responsible after you click those advertisements. We are the independent owner of this site and views expressed in this are our own. All photographs are owned by me. There can be slight differences in distances, locations or some details for which I (owner) am not responsible. This post may contain some affiliate links, means at no additional cost to you. I will earn if you will click through affiliates and make a purchase

Ooooh very exciting! I am very jealous you will be visiting Iceland! Have fun planning, it looks like you are pretty much finished, and enjoy your trip! Also wrap up warm! Cannot wait to read about your adventures when you have been

Iceland looks so beautiful. That first photo of the ice is absolutely stunning! I think I would like to see the northern lights and the icelandic horses. Most horses have 4 gaits (walk, trot, canter, gallop), but icelandic ones have a fifth gait called the tolt. So cool 🙂

We still dream about visiting Iceland. The waterfalls are absolutely stunning but I love the way the geothermal springs play into everyday life from the Blue Lagoon to geysers. I would love to dive the fissure between the continental plates, but Icelandic Horses are a close second.

Hi Yuki!
Great post- I never made it to the Geyser during my road trip around Iceland as we stuck to the South-East roads and headed away from Reykjavik, but the photos are incredible!
Did you get a chance to see the northern lights?

We may be the last people in the world who have had the opportunity to visit Iceland, but the country is on our “soon-to-visit” list. The geysers and waterfalls remind me of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. We would definitely want to take the Golden Circle Tour. I did not know you had to book the Blue Lagoon ahead of time. Thanks for the invaluable information.

Iceland is a dream destination. Would love to visit someday and drive the amazing Ring Road. The country is a photographer’s paradise for sure and northern lights is so high on our list. Hopefully we get to visit soon.

Iceland is so high on our bucket list! We also prefer round trips and your itinerary sounds pretty interesting! Knowing myself I’d prefer to spend more time at the Golden Falls than at the Blue Lagoon, I’ve heard it has become so crowded!

I can’t WAIT to get to Iceland! I’m going late September into almost mid-October! I have most of the things you talked about on my list. I would like to do a photography tour though so I’m going to add that, thanks!

Iceland remains on my bucket list, so thank you for your suggestions. Unfortunately, all the best airfares that I’ve seen are for dates outside of the best times to view the Nothern Lights, which is my number 1 bucket item.

Iceland a truely magnificent county and one I have visited md experienced. It’s natural beauty is unparalleled and just so stunning. From the golden circle to the diamond beach it’s a plane beyond imagination. You have captured some of the main points and visuals are good as well. Thanks for sharing.

Iceland has so many beautiful places to see. I do worry about a budget though since I’ve heard it is quite expensive. Plus I’d really like to see the Northern Lights but I’m not sure that I have enough warm clothes! Maybe one day!

Such an exciting itinerary with basically all the must-visit places in Iceland. The Golden Circle tour looks epic, which includes Gulfoss and the mysterious Geysir hot springs. Even the South Coast tour is really beautiful when you consider the magic of nature. How pretty and magnificent is Iceland!

Translate

About Myself

Computer Engineer by education, I am an artist, love traveling to quench my thirst to know the world where we live. I have traveled to many parts but still, feel that I have to travel more because, I believe "OF ALL THE BOOKS IN THE WORLD, THE BEST STORIES ARE FOUND BETWEEN THE PAGES OF A PASSPORT." Create your best stories while traveling. Know people, Know the world ... Travel more....